Statistics show that one in three women and one in six men have been victims of sexual abuse. We recognize and understand the unique and significant challenges that survivors endure. Beckett’s lawyers have acted for hundreds of survivors of sexual abuse in cases all over Ontario, as well as in the Maritimes, Western Canada, and even the far North.
Our compassionate and experienced personal injury lawyers will guide you through a process aimed not only at compensation but also healing and justice. If you or someone you care about is a victim of sexual abuse, please contact us for a free, private, and confidential consultation of your rights.
We advocate for greater rights for victims and more efforts to combat sexual crimes, including submissions to both government and private organizations. We were the only law firm approved by the Ontario government as the representatives of the Victims Group at the Cornwall Public Inquiry, which examined institutional responses to allegations of historical sexual abuse in Cornwall. We also collaborate with local sexual assault centres and support their efforts and are an active presence in the news.
At Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how difficult it is to start your sexual assault claim. That’s why your first contact with us can be through a variety of means that make it easy for you. We often speak to you initially on the phone or have email exchanges before you actually need to meet with us, whether at our offices or in your hometown. Before we begin the lawsuit, we will work with you to ensure that you understand the legal procedures and that we have all the information we need. We will file the paperwork that will start your sexual abuse lawsuit. Though we are not health care providers, we also can direct you to various resources like psychological counselling to help you during your healing process.
“Initiating a civil action against the Catholic church is a daunting task. It requires not only a strong legal team, but a legal team that sees you as an individual, wants to know and understand your experiences, your fears. A legal team that supports you as a person, not a file, going through a very traumatic process. A legal team that will support you in getting what you deserve for all you have suffered and continue to suffer. Beckett is that legal team and I am truly thankful for all they have done for me over the years.”
-Carol, Kingston, ON – Victim of Father Charles Sylvestre
In Canada, there is no statute of limitations for reporting sexual assault to the police. This means that no matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred, you can still file a report and seek justice.
If you’re thinking about taking legal action, you may have the option to file a civil lawsuit for compensation. In most provinces, there is no time limit for bringing a claim related to sexual assault or a proceeding based on any other misconduct of a sexual nature. Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine the best path forward for your situation.
Criminal Proceedings: The purpose of the criminal process is to punish those who commit crimes, such as sexual assault, and to keep our community safe. The criminal process begins when a report is made to the police. The police will then conduct their investigation. Depending on the outcome of their investigation, the perpetrator may be charged. If charges are laid, the matter is referred to the Crown Attorney’s Office to prosecute the case in court. If the accused pleads guilty, or is found guilty after a trial, a sentencing hearing is scheduled. The purpose of this hearing is to determine what the consequence should be for the accused.
The survivor is a witness and not a party to the criminal proceedings.
Civil Proceedings: The purpose of the civil process is for the survivor to seek financial compensation for the injuries sustained as a result of the assault or abuse. The lawsuit may be brought against the perpetrator of the abuse and/or any other potential defendants who may be legally responsible, such as the perpetrator’s employer. Institutions are most commonly involved in cases where the abuse was perpetrated by clergy, teachers, foster parents, coaches, recreational leaders, as well as co-workers or management within the survivor’s workplace. During the civil process, the plaintiff and defendants exchange all evidence outside of court. This is called the discovery phase of the lawsuit. After this phase is complete, the parties often try to settle the case. If settlement is not possible, the matter proceeds to trial, though this is much less common in civil cases as compared to criminal cases.
Most importantly, the survivor is a part to these proceedings and has much more control over how the matter proceeds and is resolved.
No, you do not need to report the abuse to the police before starting a civil lawsuit. In Canada, civil and criminal proceedings are separate, and you can pursue a lawsuit for compensation even if no police report has been filed or if criminal charges were not laid. However, if you plan to pursue both criminal and civil action, it is generally recommended to wait until the criminal proceedings have concluded before commencing a civil lawsuit. Every situation is different, so speaking with a lawyer can help you determine the best course of action based on your specific circumstances.
Yes, you may be able to bring a lawsuit if the perpetrator is deceased. In Canada, a civil claim can be filed against the perpetrator’s estate within two years of their death. This means that any assets they left behind, such as property or financial holdings, may be used to compensate you for the harm you suffered. In some cases, other parties—such as institutions, employers, or organizations that may have been negligent in preventing the abuse—could also be held responsible, regardless of whether the perpetrator is alive. Because estate claims have specific legal considerations and deadlines, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to explore your options.
Yes, you can start a civil lawsuit while criminal proceedings are ongoing, but it is generally not recommended. Commencing a civil proceeding before or during the criminal proceedings may jeopardize the prosecution. Additionally, waiting until after the criminal proceedings have concluded can be beneficial to your lawsuit. If the perpetrator is convicted in criminal court, that conviction can be powerful evidence in your civil case. It can strengthen your claim and may lead to a faster resolution. For these and other reasons, it is usually best to wait until the criminal proceedings are resolved before pursuing a civil lawsuit, though some exceptions may apply.
The length of time a sexual abuse lawsuit takes can vary greatly depending on several factors. On average, these cases may take anywhere from two to fours years to resolve. Factors that influence the timeline include the complexity of the case, number of defendants involved, the parties’ willingness to negotiate, evidence availability, and the court’s schedule. Our lawyers help to expedite the process where possible and keep you informed of how your case is proceeding. It is helpful to have support during throughout this legal process and emotional journey.
Yes, our office can help you find counselling and other forms of support while you go through the lawsuit. We understand the emotional toll these proceedings can take and have developed relationships with therapists, counselors, and support groups who specialize in trauma and sexual abuse. We also help to arrange for financial assistance for therapy where possible. Your mental health and well-being are crucial during this process, and having the right support can make a significant difference.
If you file a lawsuit for sexual abuse, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. The main categories of compensation include:
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation will depend on factors such as the severity of the abuse, its long-term effects, and the conduct of the defendants.
A class action is a type of lawsuit where one or more representative plaintiffs bring a claim on behalf of a larger group (or “class”) of individuals who have suffered similar harm. In the context of sexual abuse cases, class actions are sometimes used when multiple survivors have claims against the same institution or perpetrator.
While class actions can provide some benefits—such as efficiency in handling numerous claims at once—they are not always the best option for survivors of sexual abuse. These cases often involve deeply personal experiences, and class actions may limit a survivor’s ability to tell their individual story, seek tailored compensation, or have direct control over their case. Additionally, the compensation awarded in class actions is typically divided among all class members, which can result in lower individual settlements compared to what may be achieved through an individual lawsuit.
For many survivors, an individual lawsuit provides a greater opportunity for justice, accountability, and fair compensation. If you are considering legal action, our lawyers can help assess your specific circumstances and determine the best approach for your case.
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